Canadian Forest Service Publications

Croissance et production dans les écosystèmes d'épinette noire dans la Zone argileuse de l'Ontario: aspects de l'aménagement forestier. 1993. Whynot, T.W.; Penner, M. Forêts Canada, Institut forestier national de Petawawa, Chalk River ON. Rapport d’information PI-X-099F.

Year: 1993

Issued by: Pacific Forestry Centre

Catalog ID: 4541

Language: French

Series: Information Report (Petawawa)

Availability: PDF (download)

Mark record

Abstract

Operational Groups (OG's) defined by the Forest Ecosystem Classification (FEC) system for the Clay Belt region of Northern Ontario were compared on the basis of productivity (black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] B.S.P.) site index at age 50) and grouped into broad productivity classes. An alternate approach, comparing OG's on the basis of their site index curve shapes, did not appear to be an improvement over comparison by productivity and was not pursued. The FEC system is an objective classification scheme, useful for silvicultural decision-making. However, because it is not based on forest productivity, it may not be the most appropriate classification system for growth and yield predictions. Local black spruce volume tables and stand volume curves were developed based on these classes. Productivity class I volumes peaked earlier and declined at a younger age than other classes. Preliminary results indicate volume decline is strongly related to black spruce top height. Mixed stands generally produced slightly more volume than pure black spruce stands on similar sites. Cut-origin stands have substantially lower black spruce, but higher balsam fir (Abies balsamea [L.] Mill.), volumes than fire-origin stands, indicating that volume curves developed for old growth stands are not suitable for stands following harvesting. Examination of two non-commercially thinned old growth stands at age 80 (approximately 40 years after treatment) revealed no measurable benefit from thinning.

Also available under the title:
Growth and yield of black spruce ecosystems in the Ontario Clay Belt: Implications for forest management (English)